Technology Learning Communities (TLCs)

Tech Rocks is proud to introduce its latest initiative in technology education: Technology Learning Communities, which we call TLCs.

As a provider in the Tech Ed space for several years, we understand the nuances and have identified the best ways to create communities with a strong technical foundation. We have created these TLCs to help foster growth & learning, and better improve the communities of which we are a part.

We have identified the key partners we are working with in our TLC as:

Parents

We understand that parents are the critical link in our TLCs and help us connect with community resources to better fulfill our mission. We align with parents to work with schools, partner with local businesses and improve our programs to provide the best curriculum we can for our students.

Parent Advisory Board

Our Parent Advisory Board consists of active parents who are passionate about building a strong technology for their children and others in the community. We meet every quarter to discuss:

Tech Rocks offerings

Current trends

School/Community needs

If you would like to be a part of a Tech Rocks Parent Advisory board in your area, please complete the form below:

Community

Tech Rocks wants to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. By partnering with local and public organizations, we hope to further our reach to provide our services to eager students of the community.

We are proud to do what we can to help our local communities. Here are few organizations that we have worked with to provide kids a fun tech education.

Staff

Tech Rocks! is the afterschool technology immersion program designed to educate and empower its students in a fun learning environment

We need young Americans like you to master the tools and technology that will change the we way we do just about everything

– President Obama

About the InstructorAlvin Desuasido is a local San Mateo parent and experienced Information Technology executive with over 25 years of experience in computer programming, hardware/software and all forms of digital technology. Working his way up from an entry level developer to an IT Executive, his experiences have helped him develop a comprehensive understanding of all areas of technology. His broad expertise ranges from creating several successful business startups, e-commerce, database design, complex web applications, enterprise-wide systems, and developing globally ranked mobile apps for both Apple iOS and Android. As a member of the Computer Science Teachers of America (CSTA), he is combining his passion for teaching with his love of technology. His aim is to provide all his students with the strong foundation of technology that will help them succeed in their bright futures.

People say you have to have a lot of passion for what you’re doing and it’s totally true… If you don’t, any rational person would give up -Steve Jobs

Testimonials

After School

I took my 2nd Grade Brownie troop to Tech Rocks to earn their Computer Expert badge. It was fantastic – the BEST field trip experience the girls have had yet!

Teacher Alvin put together a wonderful program and he addressed all sorts of tech apps and software, including a bit about internet safety that really got the girls thinking about being online.

I HIGHLY recommend Tech Rocks!! Thank you Teacher Alvin!

K.S.

Great program! My son really enjoyed it and can’t wait to do more!

N.B.

Great place! My son loves the classes & Alvin (the teacher) is very knowledgeable, easy to work with & makes class engaging. We will be back for sure!!!

T.K.

I really like playing the games and we can even play with my friends in class!

The games are fun!

Camps

My son loved this camp! He had a great time and wants to go back.

Debbi

My son generally doesn’t enjoy camps, but he really loved this one. This suited him well because he enjoys video games and the social atmosphere of the kids helping each other. I liked it because he learned skills that I wouldn’t normally try to have him learn, i.e typing and coding.

S.Y.

I really enjoyed going to the tech rocks camp this week! Even though I am new at helping out control little kids and keep them focus it was a great experience for me! Everyday we did something new and I discovered multiple things such as how to create my very own 3D game. I would totally recommend this camp to my friends who enjoy playing around with technology! I appreciate how much time and effort you have put for this camp Alvin! 😀

B.C.

TechRocks is a good introduction to coding, typing and minecraft. My daughter had fun with the camp ~ thank you!

Kathy

My son is 11 and he grew up on numerous camps during summer, winter, and spring. This was his most favorite camp so far. He not only had a fabulous time but learned a ton of new things related to programming. Excellent teacher, excellent group of children, and excellent structure of the week of learning. We will definitely be back!!!!

T

Birthday Parties

Tech Rocks! is the perfect place to have a minecraft party. To be honest I really didn’t know what minecraft was however Teacher Alvin did a great job keeping the kids focus and entertained. I would definitely return and recommend Tech Rocks! Minecraft parties to everyone.

V.A.

Our son asked to have his 9th b/d party at TechRocks! He and 10 of his friends had an amazing time at the Mindcraft themed party. The owner and staff were Super friendly, helpful, fun and accommodating with each of our invitees. I could not believe how the kids enjoyed themselves for two long hours non-stop. I highly recommend TechRocks! and I would suggest choosing the longer duration party. The kids will beg you for more time!!

I.C.

We had a birthday party with 11 boys (3rd grade) at TechRocks yesterday. The boys had a blast! I had no idea gaming could be so interactive! TJ was our host/instructor and he was great. Always stayed calm and made sure everyone got their questions answered or helped when they were stuck. The kids thought it was EPIC!
We went to Village Host Pizza with the gang for lunch. Overall a great event. I worked with Nicole to plan the party and she was very efficient too. She even made reservations at the Village Host (where you get 20% if you go there in combination with a TechRocks party).
Would totally recommend this if you have a bunch of high energy kids for a party and don’t know how to keep them busy.

A.D.

My child attended a Minecraft themed birthday party at Tech Rocks. I was pleasantly surprised to find a welcoming environment that encourages young tech enthusiasts. Alvin, the owner, was very patient with a group of eager kids and made sure that their experience was not only fun but also educational.

Because he is great with children, I see Alvin doing well with the students of his after school classes and summer programming camps. Tech Rocks is definitely worth a look if you are thinking of getting your kids into coding.

C.B.

We had a Minecraft party here last weekend. The kids had a blast! Alvin is very patient and made sure all kids had help if they needed it. He is very knowledgeable in the world of Minecraft. He was very accommodating with all aspects of our party and very helpful in setting everything up.

A.R.

Don’t just buy a new video game, make one.

Don’t just download the latest app, help design it.

Don’t just play on your phone, program it.

Pres. Barack Obama

Intern Program

The Tech Rocks Intern Program is designed to leverage the skills of our students, while developing additional real world skills, like leadership, work experience, and more! The program is geared towards 7/8th graders, and high school students.

The program will be taking on students and training them in the following areas:

Leadership Skills

Mentoring/Teaching Students

Technology Skills Development

Problem Solving

Small Group Facilitation

Here are just a few of the benefits from participating in the program:

Possible Volunteer/Service Hours

Extra Curricular Highlights when applying to High School/College

Work Experience on Resume/Transcript

Fulfills requirements for future part-time work at Tech Rocks once they are eligible (Junior/Senior Year)

Learn

Lead

Earn

7/8 Grade

Freshman/Sophomore

Junior/Senior

20-hour committment

Flexible Hours

Develop Leadership Skills

Increase Tech Skills

Help Students Learn Tech

Build Work Ethic

Volunteer Opportunity

Flexible Hours

Teach Students

Increase Tech Skills

Train Learners

Increase Work Experience

Competitive Wages

Flexible Hours

Oversee Leaders

Oversee Learners

Increase Tech Skills

Build Resume

If you would like to apply to learn, lead, and earn at Tech Rocks, please complete the short application below:

Locations

We are currently located in two cities along the San Francisco Peninsula:

Belmont (2014; Moved to San Mateo)

San Mateo (Main Location. As Of December 2015)

San Francisco (June 2017)

San Jose (December 2018)

Your town?

We are continually looking to expand to other tech-friendly cities. Would you like to see a Tech Rocks in your neighborhood? at your school ? Drop us a note to let us know why your city/school should be next!

Camps

To reinforce technology skills and extend their digital knowledge in a full-day format. Our camps provide a balanced approach of technology time and indoor play. During camp, your child will extend their knowledge and supplement what they already know in the areas of:

Basic Computing (Internet Safety, Typing, Navigation,Email)

Individual Programming Track (IPT)

Multimedia (Photo,Audio,Video)

Game Design & Development (using Minecraft)

Web Development

Mobile App Development

Before and After Care

We provide before/after care from 8:00am-9:00am and from 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Class Info

Course Objective

Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to give your child a strong technological foundation and an understanding of how technology plays a role in our lives today, as well as in their future.

Class Format

Typing

One of today’s key skills that will make your child more successful is commonly overlooked. With our acclaimed software, students learn through interactive drills, and have a great time playing our typing games. Behind all that fun, they are building their typing skills with every session. Our goal is to have them touch type, typing each letter with the proper finger and not have to look at the keyboard.

Individualized Programming Track (IPT)

Our IPT is a coding/programming curriculum that each child completes at their individual level and pace. Your child will have access to a laptop of their own during class labs and our instructors will be there to guide them through each lesson, giving one-on-one assistance, as needed. Our IPT starts with a visual interface language (Blockly) to develop their awareness of basic programming concepts. As they progress, we introduce traditional programming languages like Javascript, Python, HTML, and more!

Classroom Environment

Class Size

To provide a more focused learning environment, our current class sizes range from 6-10 students per class, but may vary per class.

Age-Specific Curriculum

All our courses are taught with your child’s age in mind. We believe that children learn best when they are interested and they are interested when they can relate to what’s being taught.

One Student, One Laptop

All students will have access to their own laptop during class/lab hours. This allows our students to learn at their own pace, utilize the most of lab time, and always addressing their needs on an individual basis.

All Things Technology

We have a wide range of state-of-the-art hardware and cutting edge software available to our students and are constantly adding new technology as it becomes available to give our students the resources to best understand the technology. From smartphones and tablets for app development to a professional Digital SLR camera and green screen backdrop.

$125/mo.

Enroll

Mondays

Wednesdays

Fridays

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Minecraft Parties

Come party with us and see how Tech Rocks!

Minecraft Party

Join Steve and the Creepers as we go on a Minecraft adventure! Simply select your Minecraft worlds to explore and leave the rest to us. Our trained staff will lead your partygoers through expeditions, missions, and creative cooperation in our private, secure connected Minecraft worlds. Your child will have a blast discovering new worlds, working together with up to 20 friends, and crafting secret items in their own Minecraft nirvana. While the kids are playing, parents are welcome to hang out in the adjacent Party Lounge (free wi-fi) or do some shopping/dining around Olympic Village. There is also Mollie Stone’s with a Starbucks, Bel Mateo Bowl (with a bar), and more nearby. Once the Minecrafting is done, you can either use a portion of your time in our party room or use the full time for Minecraft and head over to nearby Round Table Pizza where the kids can continue the party and talk about their awesome Minecraft Experience!

Game Nights

Come Game with us on Friday Nights!

Have your kids heard of Fortnite? Does your child like Minecraft? Maybe Roblox is more their style? Do you want to provide a safe and fun environment for them to play along other Minecrafters? Would Mom & Dad like to get some away time on a Friday (date) night? Then our Game Nights is the perfect solution.

On select Fridays, we are opening up our labs from 6-9pm for a buffet of Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, and much more! Your child will play in a wide selection of creative and survival worlds, go on missions, build intricate structures, battle intense creatures, battle royale, and the list goes on.

Dinner is included and will consist of pizza, chips and juice boxes. Should your child have any special dietary restrictions, you are welcome to bring in your own meal.

If you’re interested, please sign up today as space is extremely limited.

Note: Fortnite players may need to bring their own devices (BYOD).

Note: A minimum number of 6 players is required to conduct the Open Play Friday. If there is not enough players by the Wednesday before, we will notify registered players of the cancellation and refund all paid participants.

On-Site

Let us come to your location to show kids Tech Rocks!

Tech Rocks also offers its technology classes on-site at your location. This is perfect for local schools, PTAs, and Parks & Rec departments that would like to offer a technology curriculum but may not have the necessary resources. Now, you can easily provide these in-demand classes to your students.

Flexible Availability – Classes can be scheduled during school hours or after school

Tech Hardware – We can leverage your facility’s computer labs, or provide our own laptops for class use

Enrollment Management – We handle the online registration for classes

Online Curriculum – Students can do additional work outside of class time

Here is list of our most popular on-site courses:

> Minecraft Makers (Grades 3-8)Students will learn how to create their own custom items in Minecraft and learn graphic design, basic computer skills, and Java code along the way. At Tech Rocks, we believe in leveraging kids’ passions & interests to teach them technology. At the end of the sessions, kids will take home a “mod” that can be installed on Minecraft for PC/Mac.

> Minecraft Studio (Grades 3-8)Your kids see Minecraft videos all the time on YouTube. Now, they can discover how to create their own 3-D Animated video starring the characters they know and love: Steve, Creepers, Zombies. Oh My! At the end of the course, students will take home a digital video that they directed themselves and upload to begin their YouTube stardom.

> Typing & Basic Computer Proficiency (Grades 2-8)With personalized progress tracking, efficient touch typing drills, customized color keyboards and fun games, students will gain proficiency of this essential life skill and not even realize how much they’re learning! With a balance of learning and fun, students will become proficient typists at the end of this course, with most students being able to type without looking. Along with typing, students will also learn computing basis: File/Folder management, Menu Navigation, Mouse basics, Drag & Drop, Cut/Copy/Paste, etc. By strengthening this basic foundation, we help our students navigate the computer with ease.

> Technology Overview: Tech, Typing, & Coding (Grades 2-8)Students will be presented with current technology topics like: Internet Safety, Cyberbullying, Office, Cloud Computing, E-mail, Future trends, and much more. Integrated along with these engaging topics will be typing skills, as well as an Individualized Programming Track that allows each student to learn coding at their own pace and have fun while doing it.

> Web Development & App Design (Grades 6-8)In a project/activity-based curriculum, students will create a site that they can get into. They will create a website with their own ideas and interests and learn HTML, CSS, graphic design and much more along the way. These skills blend well with the basic design for mobile apps. Students will also be exposed to understanding these mobile app concepts and get the skills to build basic apps.